Story of the day

A king used to travel in disguise to learn directly about the conditions of his countrymen. He was accompanied by a personal guard in disguise. They met three beggars seated by the side of a busy street. Seeing the two strangers, they raised their bowls and begged for alms. The king wanted to test them. He extended his hands to them and said, “We are in a poor, hungry and miserable state. Kindly give us something to sustain our life.”

One of the beggars did not respond to their request. He moved away in search of a wealthy donor. The second beggar gave a handful of rice from his bowl. But the third beggar felt pity and offered them his large bowl with its complete contents – all the grains and coins he could collect during the day.

The king received the two gifts and sent his guard to the treasurer of the palace with a written order to weigh the gifts and send through the guard, gold coins weighing as much as the two gifts. The guard returned with the gold coins which he happily presented to the second and third beggars.

The first beggar was very sorry for refusing a gift. The second beggar was sorry for limiting his gift. The third beggar was overjoyed to receive the unexpected treasure. The king appointed the kind and compassionate beggar as his personal assistant.